How Do I Compare 360-Degree Yard Tractors?

Zero-turn yard tractors are fast and efficient.

Whoever coined the old cliche about "turning on a dime" didn't know it at the time, but the phrase perfectly describes 360-degree yard tractors. Commonly called zero-turn-radius mowers, riding yard tractors have rear-wheel drive that allows the machines to pirouette, or circle, in place. This maneuverability lets the operator mow close to trees, shrubs, driveways and paths as well as flowerbeds and other obstacles. Using a zero-turn-radius yard tractor reduces time spent cleaning up around those areas. When shopping for a zero-turn mower, compare different models' features to find the mower that fits your specific needs.

1

Measure the distance between obstacles in your yard with a tape measure. Measure between the base of trees and the base of fences or front of flowerbeds. Use these measurements against the total width and length of zero-turn-radius yard tractors to determine which models will fit between the obstacles.

2

Compare mowing deck sizes of the zero-turn-radius yard tractors that will fit between your yard's obstacles. Mowing deck size is usually listed on a tag attached to a mower or on a decal on the mowing deck. In general, a yard tractor with a mowing deck that is 42 to 54 inches wide is considered suitable for mowing a yard that is 1 to 2 acres. One with a mowing deck of at least 54 inches should work well for a 3- to 4-acre yard while a yard larger than 4 acres can be cut efficiently with a yard tractor that has a mowing deck more than 60 inches wide.

3

Look at horsepower ratings of the yard tractors that fit the desired obstacle distance and mowing deck parameters. Yard tractors usually have twin-cylinder engines that deliver up to 32 horsepower. A high-horsepower engine may be unnecessary for a small yard or a large yard that does not include rough or hilly terrain. Higher horsepower yard tractors tend to be more expensive than lower horsepower models.

4

Sit on the seat of the zero-turn-radius yard tractors, and compare their comfort and stability. A seat with a high back is generally better than one with a low back. Ensure all controls are within easy reach. Find out which yard tractors have an automatic transmission, which is easier to use than a manual transmission.

Things You Will Need

Measuring tape

Tip

Check for emission control compliance. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency updates its standards for noise and pollution generated by yard tractors. California has even stricter standards. So many yard tractor models are either unavailable in California or require purchase and installation of an after-market, emission-control apparatus. Yard tractors already in compliance with U.S. EPA or California state regulations must have a sticker to that effect on them.

Not all yard tractors come with a sunshade. Purchasing a sunshade for staying cooler on blazing-hot summer days is as much a matter of safety as of comfort.

Roll bars are standard on some models and offer an added measure of safety.

Warning

If your lawnmower dealership offers classes in operation and safety, take them. Driving a zero-turn-radius yard tractor is not the same as driving a standard riding lawnmower.

About the Author

Audrey Lynn has been a journalist and writer since 1974. She edited a weekly home-and-garden tabloid for her hometown newspaper and has regularly contributed to weekly and daily newspapers, as well as "Law and Order" magazine. A Hambidge Fellow, Lynn studied English at Columbus State University.